Best Small Backpacks for Toddlers (Review)

There is no toddler that does not wish that he or she follow older siblings and other children to school. However, part of the insistence or joy of desiring to go to school is the fact/reality of looking ‘school-like’, wearing a uniform and importantly, using a backpack. This means, the backpack is seen as an essential part of the school dress gear for the average toddler, whether he/she is in school or not.

So, if you’re a parent who has a toddler – and desire to get the best small backpack for him or her, you’re on the right page. Here, we’ll introduce you to 5 awesome options, show you why your toddler needs a backpack in the first place and importantly, what to look out for when you finally decide to shop.

Why toddlers need backpacks

Toddlers are certainly found of wishing that they were pupils in the nursery as they are of wishing they owned their very first backpack. However, as a parent, what are the justifiable reasons why you should invest in a backpack for your little one?

The following points explain:

Once a toddler is enrolled either to a day care center or nursery, a backpack becomes a necessary accessory to safely pack and transport toys, books and stationery to school in the most convenient and fashion conscious manner possible.

A toddler also needs a backpack for casual, non-school use. For instance, when visiting the park or the local museum, the backpack can conveniently pack the toddlers most important toys – the ones he/she is not comfortable trusting to the care of just anyone J

A backpack for a toddler is also an awesome way of storing/transporting his/her lunch box and water bottle. These, it should be noted, do not lend themselves to easy transportation on their own/or any other way (conveniently).

Finally, a backpack ensures the protection of books, stationery and any other thing else stored therein against the harsh reaction of the elements. This manner of protection ensures that such things that are stored therein last longer than were they to be stored anywhere else.

Let’s now take a quick look at what you should look out for when you actually start the shopping process for a brand new backpack for your toddler.

What to look out for when shopping for a backpack for a toddler

In the mood for changing the backpack of your toddler or considering getting him/her the very first one? Here are tips to ensure that you select an option that would both serve and last for an appreciable time.

Get a model that is very durable. Durability in the world of backpacks for kids implicates backpacks that are made of very thick material and are properly constructed. Do not fail to get this right.

For toddlers, backpacks ought to be padded with soft foam both at the handles and the back straps to ensure stress free use – especially if it is loaded or if the toddler has to hold or hang it on his/her shoulder for a stretch of time.

Toddlers, by nature, prefer their things colorful and super bright. If you’re looking to get a backpack that your toddler will appreciate, you should make it a priority to ensure that the backpack is colorful and super bright. This way, your kid won’t be able to resist using it!

An excellent zipper should also be your priority when you’re out shopping for a backpack for your kid. This is because; toddlers are less likely to open their bags with the carefulness an adult usually dedicates to such things. The result, in the event that your kid opens and closes his/her bag the manner most kids do, will be a spoilt zipper within the very first week – if you fail to take this point seriously.

Toddlers, by nature love to play…and most times, their play will include playing with their backpacks too. You must therefore look for a model that is easy to clean. With a model that is easy to clean, you’re sure to easily wipe off the dirt that will easily accumulate on the bag in a matter of time.

For toddlers, ensure that the backpack model you choose for them has side mesh pockets. Usually, these pockets are used for quick storage but importantly, they are used to store water bottle(s). Without such a provision, quick storage and an avenue of water (bottle) storage will prove quite tricky.

Finally, your chosen model should be lightweight…as light as a feather. This is to ensure that your kid is not bothered with the weight of the bag itself when he/she sets out to use it. The only (unavoidable) weight should be the weight of the contents of the backpack itself.

Let’s now take a look at the reviews proper. However, before we do that, it is very important to note that all the models reviewed here meet the criteria set out above. Having done the tedious job for you, what is logically left for you now is to pick out the model that best meets your needs amongst the five (5) options below.

Best Small Backpacks for Toddlers: Our Top 5 Picks

Here are the best small backpacks for toddlers we have painstakingly chosen for you. Enjoy the reviews:

1. Olive Kids Trains, Planes and Trucks Pack ‘n Snack

The Olive Kids Trains, Planes and Trucks Pack ‘n Snack backpack features a crazy design that kids are bound to fall in love with instantly: an amazing traffic jam made possible by the brilliant combination of primary colors in such a fashion that will certainly leave its new owner, your toddler, in complete awe each time he/she gazes on it.

Further, as a parent, you’ll love the food safe insulated pocket and the 1 year warranty this product comes with. When you factor in the fact that the product is completely lead free, you’ll fall in love faster than you have ever imagined possible.

What we like

PVC, BPA and Phthalate free.

Food safe properly insulated front pocket.

Mesh side pockets for water bottle.

Super bright colors with very vivid patterns.

1 year warranty.

What we dislike

The backpack does not fit kids who are less than 3 years well.

Some customers are bothered that longer books will have a challenge fitting into the backpack.

2. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid and Toddler Backpack

The backpack itself is Spartan in design but attractive enough to maintain the interest of any kid. It is very easy to clean and features a roomy main compartment that can be used to store a lunch box, books, clothes, diapers or longer stationery. Further, it also sports adjustable side mesh pockets (ideal for water bottles), has adjustable comfy straps and importantly, is BPA and Phthalate free.

3. Yodo Upgraded Kids Insulated Toddler Backpack

Interested in a launch bag, toddler backpack with a safety harness? You should be looking at the Yodo Upgraded Kids Insulated Toddler Backpack. Completely BPA and Phthalate free, this backpack is FDA compliant, roomy and importantly, insulated to keep food and drinks stored in it in their current state for at least 3 hours.

Further, the bag is completely washable and importantly, sports a back strap that is long enough for you to help your kid if he/she gets tired and needs help with the backpack.

What we like

Safe and washable lining.

Detachable tether.

Mesh side pockets for storing small things.

Adjustable (long) back strap that can fit an adult easily.

Ability to dry fast after being washed.

What we dislike

The backpack is too small to fit a standard folder.

Some customers are not comfortable with the fact that the backpack isn’t made in the US.

4. Coolwoo Kid Backpack

The Coolwoo Kid Backpack is made with ultra-durable and long lasting neoprene – a tested and trusted diving material. The backpack is thus lightweight, water-resistant, elastic and soft – with padded, adjustable and super soft comfy shoulder straps.

Feature wise, the bag’s main compartment is super roomy with a smaller pocket on the inside of the backpack that stores the kid’s toys, snacks and other stuffs. Besides this, there is also a standard small zippered pocket on the outside paired with two adjustable mesh pockets that come in handy in storing things quickly or holding a water bottle.

What we like

Super lightweight.

Water resistant.

BPA and Phthalate free.

Padded, adjustable and comfy shoulder straps.

Roomy main compartment.

What we dislike

Customers opined that they would have loved better shoulder straps on this backpack.

As from the second year of nursery, this backpack proves to be too small.

5. Disney Little Boys Mickey Mouse Toddler Backpack

This backpack is 100% Polyester, has an impressive front pocket, can be washed by hand and features adjustable shoulder straps that parents can also use, in the event that the kid is tired. The major appeal of this bag remains the character of Mickey Mouse – one of the most famous cartoon characters of all time.

What we like

Mickey Mouse theme.

100% Polyester.

Hand washable.

Adjustable shoulder straps.

Zippered main compartment.

What we dislike

The backpack is specifically made for male kids – and not little girls.

Some kids, despite the popularity of the Mickey character, may not like the backpack because of its dominant theme.

Wrapping it up

A backpack is a necessary accessory for a toddler – whether he/she is still at home, in a day care or in the nursery. This article has besides establishing this clear fact, has also shown you, the parent, what to look out for when you go shopping and (very) importantly, has presented to you, five awesome options.

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